It’s important to learn about container home foundations since shipping container homes are becoming more and more popular. This is true as their benefits become more apparent to homeowners.
Not only are container homes trendy, but with over 14 million shipping containers in the world currently out of service, there are plenty of containers waiting to be turned into homes, offices and even studios.
It is not uncommon for people to find the idea of shipping container homes appealing; some even have a rough idea of how they want their container homes to turn out before they make the investment. There is a multitude of ways that containers can be constructed to create livable spaces and out of this world aesthetics. To make a container home in Kenya that is truly yours, however, the process all starts with your choice of the container home footing.
There is a multitude of ways that containers can be constructed to create livable spaces and out of this world aesthetics. To make a container home in Kenya that is truly yours, however, the process all starts with your choice of the container home footing.
Options For Shipping Container Homes Foundations
When constructing a shipping container home in Kenya, one of the very first things that have to be done is lay the foundation for the container. There are various options for shipping container homes foundations that can be picked based on the homeowner’s budget, type of soil at the construction site, as well as the structural requirements.
Planning out the container home’s foundation is one of the most important steps in the construction process. A solid, well laid out foundation is essential because it ensures that the shipping container remains stable throughout.
The foundation is also what helps to prevent moisture absorption and the corrosion that occurs as a result. Therefore, making the wrong decision about the foundation can result in disastrous consequences that can even cause the entire construction project to halt. As such, it is a decision that is worth thinking over carefully.
Types of Foundations for Shipping Container Homes
The most commonly used types of foundations for container homes in Kenya are:
- Wooden beam footings
- Concrete Footings
- Concrete slabs
Wooden Beam Footings
Wooden beam footings are by far the most common and the easiest type of shipping container foundations used today. With wooden beam footings, you do not need as much material to construct support for the corners of the container.
When it comes to wooden footings, a gravel bed has to be created underneath the beams to assist with the drainage and to eliminate premature rotting and aging. Wooden beam footings can be installed just before the arrival of the shipping container because not as much prep time is needed as with other types of foundations, namely concrete.
Concrete Slab Foundations
Concrete slab foundations are great alternatives for anyone that is not pressed for time, space or budget. Unsurprisingly, concrete slabs are a little costlier compared to wooden beam footings based on the cost of concrete, as well as the labor required to make it happen.
Concrete Footings For Container Foundations
Concrete footings come highly recommended for permanent container homes, that is, those that designed to stay rooted in one spot for an extended period. Concrete footings are great because they are cheaper than concrete slabs.
However, these types of foundations for shipping container homes require meticulous planning and great attention to detail. Though concrete footings may be a cheaper option, a little more homework, planning, and time are needed to make sure that everything is done to perfection.
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